Pep Guardiola has dismissed claims that Manchester City’s significant January transfer window outlay was motivated by fears of an impending transfer embargo due to alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations. The reigning English champions spent around £170 million on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez before the transfer deadline on Monday, bolstering a squad that has struggled domestically this season.
Guardiola’s side currently find themselves off the pace in the Premier League title race and narrowly secured a spot in the Champions League play-offs. Speaking ahead of City’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Leyton Orient on Saturday, the manager denied that the recent spending spree was driven by concerns over the possible sanctions from an ongoing Premier League investigation into 115 alleged financial rule breaches.
Guardiola confirmed that a verdict on the matter is expected within the next few weeks. If found guilty, City could face severe penalties, including a transfer embargo, fines, points deductions, or even demotion. However, the club has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Despite the speculation, Guardiola insisted that City’s spending has been exaggerated due to the club’s wealthy owners, stressing that they still trail behind their top-six rivals in terms of net expenditure.
“In the last five years, we are the last team in the top six for net spend,” Guardiola pointed out. “Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Liverpool.”
Guardiola highlighted that much of City’s ability to spend stems from significant player sales in recent seasons, which have helped balance the books. He acknowledged the club’s reputation for big spending but argued that the reality is often misunderstood.
“The reason why is we have sold a lot in the last seasons, but even with that, I know (people say about) this club, it is always ‘just about the money,'” he said. “Respect the other ones, but in one month, I think there will be a verdict and a sentence, and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far. Still, at the end, every club can do whatever they want.”
With uncertainty looming over the outcome of the investigation, Guardiola appears focused on maintaining City’s competitiveness this season. Their January signings could prove vital in revitalising the team’s campaign and ensuring success in both domestic and European competitions. City fans, however, will be anxiously awaiting the league’s decision, which could have a lasting impact on the club’s future.
